McCarthy

Question 1

Who was Senator McCarthy?

Answer 1

Joseph McCarthy was a Republican senator from Wisconsin. From 1950 to 1954, he conducted a powerful campaign against alleged communists.

Question 2

When was McCarthy active?

Answer 2

Joseph McCarthy was active between 1950 and 1954.

Question 3

Why did people believe McCarthy?

Answer 3

McCarthy was helped by events outside America. China, for example, turned communist in 1949 and many people were fearful of a communist takeover. As a result McCarthy won a lot of support, with thousands attending his speeches and millions watching his television appearances.

Question 4

What were McCarthy’s investigation likened to?

Answer 4

Witch Hunt

Question 5

In February 1950c McCarthy claimed to have a list containing the names of ____ Communist Party members who worked in the US government. He later changed the figure to ___.

Answer 5

205

57

Question 6

What did Eisenhower do following McCarthy’s claim?

Answer 6

In January 1953, McCarthy was appointed chairman of the Operations of the Senate government committee by President Eisenhower.

Question 7

What led to McCarthy losing influence?

Answer 7

In March 1954, McCarthy was criticised on the Ed Murrow show because of hearings attacking the US Army. In December 1954, he was censured by the Senate for ‘improper conduct’.

Question 8

Which influential figure condemned McCarthy?

Answer 8

Richard Nixon